In October 1960, we were thirty-five young men who met for the first time in the Junior Common Room at St John’s, Durham. Little did we know what an important part we would play in each other’s lives, staying in touch as individual friends over the following years. In 1993, Richard Graham (previously Feek) ‘activated’ this network and we held our first alumni reunion at St John’s – thirty years after our graduation.
About a dozen of us attended and most brought their wives. We had a wonderful time re-exploring Durham, sharing what we had done since leaving John’s – careers, families, travels and so on – as well as recalling tales of triumphs and disasters from our student days, and reflecting on how much our time in Durham had influenced us as people.
Since then we have met at roughly ten year intervals and have deepened our friendships. Our wives have become friends and they have really enriched our reunions. Sadly some dear friends have now passed away, although their significance to us has been fondly remembered.
This year our group, reduced in number but as close-knit as ever, came back together for our sixtieth anniversary reunion weekend, expertly coordinated by Alan Clark. We were warmly welcomed by staff at St John’s and thoroughly enjoyed what may well be our last reunion meal together in the Tristram Room in College. We walked round Durham in wonderful sunshine and groups of us met up at various places and continued our discussions, deepening relationships, and acknowledging how fortunate and privileged we were to have studied and grown up in such a beautiful environment. We are confident that the College and University will continue to produce men and women of faith and character who will work to serve humankind in a wonderful but changing world.
Peter Armstrong, class of 1963
Peter Armstrong – BA Social Studies, transferred to Psychology
At John’s: Rugby for Durham Colleges and Captain of John’s. College Chapel Choir
After John’s: Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Leicester). Child Care Officer and later Area Director of Social Services in Bedfordshire. In 1976 appointed a Principal Officer in Cheshire Social Services, and later County Child Protection Coordinator. Worked with the South Manchester Methodist District’s Safeguarding Team (with Alison Wilkinson!), and a member of the Diocese of Chester Child Protection Advisory Group and the Bishop’s Child Protection Adviser. Worships at local church who have been so loving and caring during difficult times.
Alan Clark – BA Social Studies
At John’s: St John’s Boat Club, fencing, Durham College and St John’s Chapel Choirs.
After John’s: MA Psychology (Leeds). and MAppSc (Sydney, Australia) on ‘Evidence-based Coaching Psychology’. Worked as Teacher in Nigeria and UK. Developed a Consultancy to help Large Organisations to tackle abuses of Power and Authority and acted as a mentor to coach individuals and teams to reduce abusive and harmful practices.
Member of St John’s College Senior Common Room.
Colin Critchley – BA Social Studies, transferred to Psychology
At John’s: Football for Durham Colleges and Captain of St John’s
After John’s: Diploma in Educational Psychology (Manchester). Worked as Educational Psychologist in Liverpool Schools and Special Units. Ordained Priest in Liverpool Diocese (NSM). Now holds ‘permission to officiate’ in local church. Completed a PhD in 2018 from Hope, on the relevance of the Psychological Theory of Attachment to the Covenants God made with the Children of Israel. Liverpool Diocesan Child Protection Adviser.
Andrew Howell – BA History & Theology, Dip Ed
At John’s: St John’s Rugby and Leader of the Cricket Team.
After John’s: Worked as a Teacher starting as Head of RE at Swanwick Hall Grammar School, Derbyshire, and then various teaching, lecturing and senior positions in Higher Education in Nottingham and Norfolk. Lives at Wymondham, Norfolk and is part of the Team that help visitors explore and understand the history of the Abbey Church that became a Parish Church and so survived the destruction of the Ancient Abbey.
Paul Tippett – BA French & English
At John’s: Rugby Durham Colleges, and St John’s Cricket and Rugby.
After John’s: Dip. Ed. (Leicester). Worked many years as teacher and head of departments in Leicestershire Schools, Adult Education Lecturer and Head of 6th Form Centre in Nottingham. Now lives for several months of the year in France.
Richard Rhodes* – BA General Arts (History, Greek, Hebrew, RE)
At John’s: Rugby for Durham Colleges and St John’s
After John’s: Dip Ed (Oxford). 11 years teaching at St John’s Leatherhead. Arnold School, Blackpool as Deputy and Head. Head Master at Rossall School. JP in Barrow, Chairman of Cumbrian Probation Service. 2012 Elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria . Against some local and political opposition, championed and supported a Local Centre where cases of Rape and Sexual abuse could be investigated, saving traumatised and emotionally vulnerable women having to make long journeys for medical and forensic evidence to be collected. Church Warden. Leads services and preaches.
*Sadly not able to attend the 2023 Reunion.
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